THE January transfer window is OPEN, and deals are being completed all across Europe!
Roberto Martinez, Wayne Rooney and Kasper Hjelmund are among the favourites to take over as manager of Everton after they sacked Rafael Benitez.
And in a shock development, reports suggest Christian Eriksen is a January target for Brentford.
Chelsea are aiming to make a big statement after reportedly making a £33.3m bid for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
The Catalans are said to be holding out for £50m, but that price could drop to £41.75m if youngsters Nico Gonzalez and Gavi continue their excellent progress, according to reports in Catalonia.
And the Holland ace is ready to listen in what could prove a significant breakthrough in contract talks.
The Blues are also said to be interested in Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.
Erling Haaland is a summer target for Real Madrid, who are confident they can land both him and Kylian Mbappe.
When does the 2022 January transfer window close?
The transfer window opened on January 1, and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League's winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…
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- Kostas Lianos
Juve got mail
Juventus have asked for Arsenal ace Thomas Partey in a swap transfer involving Arthur.
But it is understood the Gunners are unwilling to allow Partey to be part of any such deal.
That is according to Sky Sports Italy, who also report the two clubs are still in negotiations over a potential transfer for Arthur.
The north Londoners are in desperate need of bolstering their midfield and Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the ex-Barcelona ace.
SunSport understand the Bianconeri are happy for the Brazilian to leave but want to sign a replacement first with Aaron Ramsey also likely to depart
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Aubameyang to return?
Arsenal player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could reportedly fly home early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to his current health issues.
Aubameyang missed Gabon’s 1-1 draw with Ghana on Friday after it was discovered he had ‘lesions’ on his heart following a bout with coronavirus.
The striker is said to be feeling fine, although talks between the Gunners and the Gabonese football federation over what’s best for the player are currently ongoing.
According to The Athletic, the Gabon international could end up coming back to England this week after a further review of his condition.
The north Londoners’ doctors are said to not be concerned with his health, although Monday will be pivotal in deciding whether or not he’ll stay in Cameroon for the remainder of the tournament.
Aubameyang was one of three Gabon players to be diagnosed with heart lesions last week.
Mario Lemina and Axel Meye were also said to have lesions on their hearts after catching Covid
- Kostas Lianos
Ron the move
Manchester United and Chelsea are both keeping tabs on Barcelona star Ronald Araujo.
That is according to Marca, who report that United and the Blues are looking to make a move for Araujo as his contract with Barca expires next year.
The Premier League duo may look to make a deal with the Blaugrana, who are dealing with financial difficulties.
The Red Devils are looking to boost their defence whereas the west Londoners are facing the prospect of losing Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta for free this summer
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Newcastle eye Tarkowski
Newcastle are keeping tabs on Burnley ace James Tarkowski during the January transfer window.
That is according to SunSport's Alan Nixon, who reports that the Magpies are going to make a fresh bid for Tarkowski.
However, the Clarets are going to require a significant sum, like they did for Chris Wood.
Toon manager Eddie Howe requires two centre-backs to save his team from relegation
- Kostas Lianos
Costa on the go
Diego Costa bid farewell to Atletico Mineiro and rumours suggests that he could be on his way to Arsenal.
Costa is available on a free transfer after ending his contract with the Brazilian giants.
The centre-forward has held informal talks with several clubs, including the Gunners.
After his departure was confirmed, the Spaniard posted on Instagram: “Today, officially, I say goodbye to Atletico.
“I would like to thank all Massa Atleticana for all the support and affection I received from the first to the last day. Thank you so much for being part of my childhood dream of playing in Brazilian football and winning titles.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the entire technical staff, medical department, employees and especially to my teammates who helped me daily, always doing everything to make me feel comfortable.
“The feeling that remains is gratitude to all of you Athleticans. Thank you and I wish you all the success in the world!!!”
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Dembele January hunt
Chelsea have joined the transfer war for Barcelona contract rebel Ousmane Dembele.
The Blues are facing competition from Juventus as well as Manchester United during the January transfer window.
According to Sport, United and Juve have been in 'especially intense' contact with Dembele's representatives since 2021.
And the report even adds a suggestion that the striker may have already signed a pre-contract agreement with one of those two clubs.
The report also adds the Blues have been in touch with the France international this January over a potential offer
- Kostas Lianos
Fernandes turned down contract
Manchester United superstar Bruno Fernandes turned down a new contract at the end of last year.
That is according to The Athletic, who report that United offered a new deal in the autumn.
Talks over fresh terms have temporarily been parked and are set to restart in May.
Fernandes is among the Red Devils’ most prolific players in Ralf Rangnick’s team
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Zorc reacts to Haaland statement
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc addressed Erling Haaland’s claim he has been set a deadline to decide his future.
Zorc told Kicker: “Haaland's comments surprised us a bit.
"There is no deadline and there have not even been any talks yet.
"But we want to hold talks at some point”
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Tielemans interest latest
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Leicester star Youri Tielemans.
That is because Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers admitted Tielemans has to ‘look at all options’.
Rodgers said: “You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important.
“Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.
“I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.
“Once the player is committed, focused and professional it’s never a worry for me.
“With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys’ careers are short.
“If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in”
GETTY IMAGES
- Kostas Lianos
Borussia Dortmund’s Haaland surprise
Borussia Dortmund have been left ‘surprised’ by Erling Haaland’s claim he has been set a deadline to decide his future.
Haaland recently said: “Borussia Dortmund are now pushing me to make a decision about things… but I just want to play football.
“That probably means that I will soon have to get things started. I never spoke until now to respect the club.
“Dortmund have started to put lot of pressure on me. They want me to decide [my future] now.
“And so yes, things will happen now, even if I only wanted to focus on football and play football.”
These quotes have stunned Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc – who has publicly insisted no such talks have taken place between the player and Dortmund.
The star striker has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea
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Rafa Benitez sacked
Everton brutally sacked manager Rafa Benitez and made it official with a brief 40-word statement.
The Toffees said: "Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as First Team manager.
"Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect.
"An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course"
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Stump up the cash
Chelsea will need to pay £50million for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong in the January transfer window.
Earlier this week it was claimed that the Blues had submitted a £33m bid to Barca for De Jong.
But the offer is expected to be rejected as the Blaugrana want a higher fee if they are to let the 24-year-old depart this month.
According to El Nacional, £50m is the asking price the west Londoners will have to meet to secure his services.
But Thomas Tuchel's side are facing competition for the Netherlands international as Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also been linked
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Chelsea eye Perisic swoop
Chelsea are interested in signing Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic during the January transfer window.
The Blues' manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly keen on signing a left wing-back amid the long-term injury to Ben Chilwell, according to The Mirror.
Inter will reportedly consider offers to sell the Croatia international this month, as his contract expires in six months.
Tottenham and Arsenal are also said to be keeping tabs on the 32-year-old, who can operate on that role, but the west Londoners could offer him regular game time with only Marcos Alonso available
GETTY IMAGES - Joshua Jones
Good morning to football fans
Liverpool could bid £35million for Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips and Arsenal have offered £50m plus Lucas Torreira for Fiorentina goal machine Dusan Vlahovic.
Those two stories lead the overnight transfer talk – along with Chelsea, Tottenham and the Gunners being linked to Inter Milan superstar Ivan Perisic.
Manchester United are also thought to be monitoring Phillips – and it's claimed Real Madrid are also keen.
But England star Phillips might be 'seduced' by the idea of joining Jurgen Klopp's entertainers, especially as United are Leeds' fiercest rivals.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly made a huge leap forward in the race for Serbian superstar Vlahovic.
Juventus are also keen but Torreira's impressive loan form for Fiorentina could be a winning car for the Gunners.
Manchester United want £15m for forgotten defender Phil Jones, who is on Newcastle's radar.
And Barcelona and Bayern Munich are said to be eyeing Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen.
Everton could make a shock move for ex-manager Roberto Martinez after axing Rafa Benitez.
Finally, Klopp insists he still believes Liverpool can overhaul Manchester City's 11-point Prem lead after the Reds beat Brentford 3-0 yesterday.
- Ian Tuckey
‘£50m plus Torreira for Dusan’
Arsenal have submitted a hefty new transfer bid for Fiorentina marksman Dusan Vlahovic, reports say.
The 21-year-old Serbian striker is ready to leave and the Gunners are desperate to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
According to Corriere della Sera, Arsenal have submitted a fresh bid worth £50million PLUS Lucas Torreira.
It was said to be all over for Arsenal when a £58m price tag was placed on the Serbian international.
But the addition of Torreira in the deal has re-ignited excitement in the North London camp.
Torreira, 25, is currently on loan at Fiorentina and has become a crucial part of their midfield.
So Arsenal are hoping they can land Vlahovic by teasing a swap deal using the Uruguayan.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd ‘want £15m for Toon target Jones’
Manchester United’s forgotten defender Phil Jones is attracting interest from Newcastle.
But it’s claimed the Red Devils want around £15million for the first-team outcast, 29.
- Ian Tuckey
Liverpool eye £35m Kalvin bid
Liverpool are preparing to make a £35million splash for Kalvin Phillips, according to reports.
But the 26-year-old Leeds midfielder is also getting ‘close attention’ from Real Madrid.
Spanish publication El Nacional report that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are ready to make an offer for the Yorkshire-native.
Phillips is ‘seduced’ by the idea of playing under the spotlight at Anfield, where he would compete in the Champions League.
However, they say any bid from the Reds will be rejected as Leeds would rather not sell to a fellow Premier League team.
And that could open the door for Los Blancos to make a shock move for the England man.
After a fantastic season at Elland Road last year, Leeds were tipped for a European spot themselves.
But they have fallen way short so far and currently sit 15th in the table and Phillips knows what he has to offer.
- Ian Tuckey
Game of two laughs
Ivory Coast were left devastated after allowing Sierra Leone to score a COMICAL stoppage-time equaliser in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Goals from ex-West Ham striker Sebastien Haller and Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe looked to have secured a second successive victory for the Ivorians.
But in the 93rd minute keeper Badra Ali Sangare attempted to claim a poor defensive header back…and in doing so dropped the ball inside his own penalty area.
Former Tottenham and Cardiff defender Steven Caulker was there to mop up the pieces for Sierra Leone as he squared for Alhaji Kamara.
And he made no mistake, firing home to salvage a point for his country.
Incredible scenes ensued for Sierra Leone as the players, subs and coaching staff all celebrated by piling on top of one another in the corner.
Reacting to the goal, one social media user said: "Pitch conditions or just poor goalkeeping? It does look like a farmer's field but the keeper is at fault there."
While another added: "Competing with Martinez for the best howler of the season."
- Ian Tuckey
Toon want Kenyon
Newcastle are keen to add the experienced Peter Kenyon to their management team as chief executive.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea supremo is a leading candidate to run the club off the field.
The new Toon owners want expertise and have already teed up Dan Ashworth for a top role.
But Kenyon is seen as ideal for CEO because of his organisational skills and to drive commercial expansion.
Kenyon has advised clubs since leaving Chelsea but this would be his first big post for some time.
The Toon have been trying to reshape their off-the-field team.
Nick Hammond has worked in a key role in deals since Lee Charnley left.
Kenyon oversaw transfers at both United and Chelsea.
And Newcastle have been inundated with players being offered by agents — and will need work on that area in future windows.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs ‘in for Perisic’
Inter Milan utility star Ivan Perisic is interesting Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, reports say.
It’s claimed the Italian giants might be tempted to sell the 32-year-old Croat in this transfer window rather than let him leave for free in the summer.
But Perisic’s fortunes at Inter have been revitalised since he returned from his loan spell with Bayern.
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Biela salutes Leeds desire
Marcelo Bielsa hailed Leeds' 'desire' as Jack Harrison's first ever hat-trick clinched a shock 3-2 comeback win at fourth-placed West Ham.
Jarrod Bowen. and Pablo Formals hit temporary levellers for the Hammers before Harrison chipped a fine winner on the hour.
And Leeds boss Bielsa said: "It is a triumph for the players because of the effort they put in. The desire to win was very, very big."
- Ian Tuckey
Klopp still chasing title dream
Jurgen Klopp will keep believing Liverpool can overhaul Manchester City's 11-point title lead.
Fabinho's header, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and sub Takumi Minamino saw off Brentford 3-0.
And Red's boss Klopp said: "We don't have to convince anyone outside to believe. If they want to believe they can believe.
"If you are with us, you will enjoy the ride and we will go for everything. We are ready to go as much as we can."
- Ian Tuckey
Sacked Benitez admits Everton job was a struggle
Axed Everton chief Rafa Benitez admits he was stunned by how hard his job was – to win people's hearts after he previously bossed Liverpool as well as to get results.
Benitez said: "We knew it wouldn't be easy. "It was a big challenge, both emotionally and in terms of sport.
"My love for this city, for Merseyside and its people, made me accept this challenge, but it is only when you are inside that you realise the magnitude of the task.
"From the very first day, my staff and myself worked as we always do, with commitment and full dedication. We didn't only have to get results, but we also had to win over people's hearts.
"However, the financial situation and then the injuries that followed made things even harder."
- Ian Tuckey
Bayern and Barca eye Christensen
Andreas Christensen is wanted by European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich, according to reports.
The Chelsea defender is out of contract in the summer and looks increasingly likely to leave, despite the Blues' best efforts.
And Fabrizio Romano says the Denmark international will soon make his decision as Europe's heavyweights prepare to swoop for a free transfer.
He said: "Barcelona and FC Bayern are both strongly interested in signing him – club sources confirm"
Christensen would be a huge loss to Chelsea, who are facing a defensive exodus with Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta also winding down their deals.
The 24-year-old featured in last season's Champions League final win over Man City.
He has played a key role for Thomas Tuchel's side this season, with 21 appearances and a goal in the FA Cup demolition of Chesterfield.
Chelsea want Christensen to stay but he has previously said that he has 'no idea' if he'll still be in London next season.
- Ian Tuckey
Youri boost
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their transfer pursuit of Youri Tielemans as Brendan Rodgers admitted the midfielder has to ‘look at all options’.
And Rodgers knows he may have to think about preparing for a time without the influential Tielemans in his side – especially if Leicester miss out on European football next season.
The Northern Irishman said: “You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important.
“Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.
“I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.
“Once the player is committed, focused and professional it’s never a worry for me.
“With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys’ careers are short.
“If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in.”
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